Rui Costa rules out José María Giménez as Benfica target | OneFootball

Rui Costa has dismissed the prospect of signing Atlético Madrid defender José María Giménez for Benfica, according to Glorioso 1904.

The Benfica president revisited the search for a centre-back and hinted at the identity of the likely arrival. He has already said a deal is practically done to replace Nicolás Otamendi.

At a General Assembly at the Pavilhão da Luz, João Diogo Manteigas, defeated in the club’s most recent elections, pressed the issue during the afternoon session. He asked directly whether the choice was Giménez or Milan Škriniar, currently with Fenerbahçe.

Rui Costa replied that it would not be Giménez. That removed the Uruguay international from contention and has reinforced talk around Škriniar, who remains linked with the club.

Mário Branco has recently said negotiations are at a very advanced stage to land the player who will succeed Otamendi, who has returned to River Plate after his contract expired.

The Assembly also approved Benfica’s budget for 2026/27. Rui Costa presented a positive balance sheet, which was passed at the meeting.

Source: Glorioso 1904